Thanks for this revelation. I’m glad that Ms. Saffron’s article intimated the collusion to circumvent existing policy and law that goes on in this administration. However, her conclusion to give additional power to the corrupt PHC/PCPC is completely wrong. The tale of two properties, 42nd and Walnut and 40th and Pine, exemplifies the serious harm and contradictions.
As Campus Inn shows, historic designation means absolutely nothing to historic preservation or legal standards. These commissions exist to assist wealthy corporations circumvent all laws and standards. Ten stories of proof show that a goal of historic preservation is not the mission. Conversely, they offer powerful tools for dishonorable entities like the SHCA zoning committee and the SHCA to harass and terrorize law abiding citizens. The PHC, with PCPC backing, has incredible power over the little guys, and can destroy and bankrupt a small business or homeowner because the commissions operate above and outside the rule of law. In 2007, I saw two guys at PHC whose corner building was hit by a vehicle. Nervously, they described attempts to hunt for the same brick throughout the tri-state area to patch the damage made through no fault of theirs. They wanted to rebuild the wall with brick that was very close to the original. The terror from these guys, who were forced to beg the commissioners after being forced into this ridiculous hunt, was extraordinary. They were successful, but they also didn’t have a contemptible SHCA present to insist that “the community” was against them and wanted them bankrupted! If we have an HD imposed over us, we would add the same corrupt PHC/PCPC, which Ms. Saffron confirms in her report; to destroy the community not yet driven out by the bogus trash tickets. As the tale of two properties indicates, on that day, everyone in this community becomes totally at the mercy of SHCA! Consider! The current budget problems present an opportunity. The PHC/PCPC under this Altman should be decommissioned until the economy recovers and Penn’s mayor is gone. A reform panel could work out standards and a process to end the corruption and lawlessness of the commissions before they are restarted. Taxpayers could save millions and the zoning board could be watched like hawks until Altman/Nutter are gone. Thoughtful participating citizens should check the Penn publications to understand where law is determined in Philadelphia. From the Penn Current regarding the power structure: “In essence, the forums will ask citizens to make the same tough choices that Nutter is facing. The information gathered from the forums will be shared with the Nutter administration, and the city has pledged to report back to Penn on how the input was used in the budget process.” http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/features/020509-1.html Glenn -----Original Message----- >From: John Ellingsworth <[email protected]> >Sent: Feb 6, 2009 7:49 PM >To: University City List <[email protected]>, UCneighbors ><[email protected]> >Subject: [UC] Changing Skyline: Hotel enrages Spruce Hill | Philadelphia >Inquirer | 02/06/2009 > >Inga Saffron lays it out: > >http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090206_Changing_Skyline__Hotel_enrages_Spruce_Hill.html > >Regards, > >John Ellingsworth >---- >You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the >list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see ><http://www.purple.com/list.html>. ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
